Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy is the term used in physical therapy for the therapeutic application of electrical impulses. Muscle activity in the body is normally controlled by the nervous system. The brain uses nerves to stimulate muscles by means of electrical signals which generate tension (contraction).

If parts of the nervous system (brain or nerves) are damaged, signal transmission may be impaired to such an extent that signals are either incomplete or do not reach the muscles at all. As a result, these muscles may be less tensioned, and muscle mass shrinks. Such damage may be caused, for instance, by a stroke, an accident, or an infection. Long periods of immobilization, e.g. following surgery, can also cause a loss of muscle mass.